What we do

• Teach mothers how relaxation practice can help them and their baby.

• Explain that during pregnancy, the water in utero is an excellent conductor for the mother's voice, and the fetus can "hear" her Mommy say, "I am calm." The fetus learns Mommy's voice and heartbeat, and will recognize these patterns, and be able to identify them in contrast to strangers, after they are born.

• Ease delivery, by using headphones, with pre-recorded and repeated relaxation techniques. Mom will use these techniques to help Mom and baby relax during delivery.

• Enhance the mother-child bond after the baby is born, because our techniques "introduce" Mom to baby before they officially meet!

Why We Do It

• Stress for the mother equates to stress for the baby!

• Charles Nemeroff, M.D./Ph.D., of Emory University, recommends relaxation exercises for reduction of anxiety, which creates higher levels of stress hormones and a higher heartbeat for baby.

• According to Andrew Weil, M.D., breathing techniques are the best antidote for everyday anxiety.

• Practice makes permanent in the brain (Wayne Drevits, M.D., of the National Institute of Mental Health.) As baby "hears" Mommy's attempt to relax, the baby reinforces these pathways in the brain.

• Parent's reactions to stress, train the child's brain. Parent's relaxation can train them better.

• Anthropologists have shown two interrelated universal human behaviors: Children imitate their elders, and elders, across all cultures, practice relaxation techniques.

• Self-soothing is essential for healthy childhood development. Mom can practice self-soothing behaviors during pregnancy, which will increase baby's ability to self-soothe after birth.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Joe Blanton, Producer / Composer; Mike Bristol, Graphic Design.

WARNING: Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while listening to this recording. If you have been diagnosed with a major mental illness, consult with your mental health practitioner before using this.

by Dr Linda Miles